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Literature and Theatre

Vampire Fiction

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

From prehistoric legends to contemporary pop culture, the world has been in thrall to the myth of the vampire. Now is a chance to explore the rich literary heritage of the undead. Authors include Bram Stoker, Théophile Gautier, Sheridan Le Fanu, George MacDonald, Anne Rice and Tanith Lee. We’ll also take a look at vampires on film, from Bela Lugosi to Twilight.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No prior knowledge required, although the reading of the set texts is essential.

Content of Course

1. Introduction

Short extracts by John Keats, Charles Baudelaire, Charles Nodier, Lawrence Durrell*.

2. Romantic & 19th Century Vampires

Ludwig Tieck, The Bride of the Grave*, Theophile Gautier, The Beautiful Dead*, Sheridan Le Fanu, Carmilla.

3. Bram Stoker I

Bram Stoker, Dracula (first half) and Dracula’s Guest.

4. Bram Stoker II

Bram Stoker, Dracula (second half).

5. Vampires at the Fin de Siècle

Robert Louis Stevenson, Olalla*, Walter de la Mare, Seaton’s Aunt*, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Good Lady Ducayne.

6. Anne Rice I

Anne Rice, Interview with the Vampire (first half)

7. Anne Rice II

Anne Rice, Interview with the Vampire (second half). Overview of The Vampire Chronicles.

8. Tanith Lee I

Tanith Lee, Dark Dance (first half) and Bite-Me-Not, or Fleur de Feu.

9. Tanith Lee II

Tanith Lee, Dark Dance (second half). Overview of The Blood Opera.

10. Vampires for the New Millennium

Stories from The Penguin Book of Vampire Stories

*Indicates short texts to be given as handouts. 

Teaching method(s)

Tutorial based.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be able to:

  • Identify literary techniques and devices in a variety of texts.

  • Analyse and evaluate syntax, figurative language and narrative mechanisms.

  • Discuss the relationship between a vampire narrative and the social context in which it is told.

  • Analyse how variations in the vampire myth may be influenced by a society’s changing fears and changing notions of family.

  • Compare and contrast vampire fictions from three different decades and three continents.

Sources

Core Readings

Apart from The Penguin Book of Vampire Stories, all texts are available in multiple editions. Any complete edition is acceptable for the purposes of this course:

  • Lee, Tanith (2017) Dark Dance, London, Immanion Press

  • MacDonald, George (2013) Lilith, London, Stonewell Press.

  • Rice, Anne (1976) Interview with the Vampire, London, Futura.

  • Ryan, Alan (ed.) (1989) The Penguin Book of Vampire Stories, London, Penguin.

  • Stoker, Bram. (2004). Dracula [1897], Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Class Handouts

Handouts will be provided.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.